U.S. Pat. No. 7,201,659

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described while suitably referring to the accompanying drawings.FIG. 1is a schematic construction diagram of a data delivery system including a data delivery server100and a video game device200according to the invention. This data delivery system is provided with a data delivery server100in which various pieces of event information are stored and which is connectable with the video game device200via a network400such as Internet. Upon receiving a request to deliver an event information from the video game device200via the network400, this data delivery server100delivers the event information after authenticating whether or not the video game device200is a certified user by means of a password and the like. Although a modem and a main game unit of the video game device200are constructed into a single unit in an example ofFIG. 1, the video game device200may be connected with the data delivery server100via a modem connected with the main game unit of the video game device200unless the main game unit of the video game device200has a communication function.

First, the data delivery server100is described. The data delivery server100is constructed as a server computer provided with a CPU, a storage means such as a memory or a hard disk device, and a function of enabling a data communication with an other equipment via a network such as Internet. Functionally, the data delivery server100is provided with a transmitting/receiving unit101, a user administering unit102, an event information storage103, and an event information acquiring device104.

The transmitting/receiving unit101carries out necessary operations at the time of receiving a user registration request and an event information delivery request from the video game device200and transmitting the event information to the video game device200. Further, the transmitting/receiving unit101also transmits authentication information and a password generated by the user administering unit102to be described later to the video game device200, and receives a selection instruction to select at least one of an event content and a guide information from the video game device200. The transmitting/receiving unit101functions as a user registration request receiving means, an authentication information presenting means and a selection instruction receiving means and also functions as part of a delivering means.

The user administering unit102administers, for example, whether or not the delivery of the event information should be permitted based on, e.g. the validity of the password transmitted from the video game device200at the time of the user registration and an access. This user administering unit102has a function (authentication information administering means) of generating and administering the authentication information (user ID) and the password used to permit the delivery of the event information while relating them to the video game device200based on a recording medium ID received from the video game device200. This user administering unit102also has a function (provisional registering means) of temporarily registering the password generated for the video game device200and a function (regular registering means) of registering the video game device200as a certified user upon receiving the above password from the video game device200. This user administering unit102is further provided with a function (delivery condition administering means) of administering a delivery condition concerning the delivery of the event information while relating it to the authentication information (user ID). The delivery condition is administered by the user administering unit102while being related to the user ID and may be an amount of data to be delivered, the number of data deliveries, the number of data deliveries, a period of validity of the data delivery. The user administering unit102functions as part of the delivering means.

The event information storage103is adapted to store various pieces of event information to be delivered to the video game device200. This storage103is constructed such that event contents and pieces of guide information can be stored. The event contents are contents to be delivered to the video game device200and comprised of, e.g. video music. The guide information is comprised of various pieces of information concerning the event contents. For example, if the event content is a live relay broadcast of a music performance at a studio, the guide information is comprised of a date of performance, a profile information of a player, and a sale information on related products and the like. It should be noted that the event information may include game software data.

The event information acquiring device104acquires various pieces of event information. For instance, the device104acquires a live relay broadcast at a studio as an event information by means of a video camera or the like.

Next, the video game device200is described.FIG. 2is a block diagram showing an electrical construction of the video game device200to which the data delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. This video game device200is provided with a main game unit40and a recording medium50storing a program data. In this embodiment, the video game device200is further provided with a modem30for data communication with the data delivery server100. The main game unit40is comprised of a CPU (central processing unit)1, a bus line2connected with the CPU1and including an address bus, a data bus and a control bus, and a graphic data generating processor3. The modem30functions as a user registration request transmitting means, authentication information receiving means and a delivery request transmitting means.

With the bus line2are connected an interface circuit4, a main memory5including a RAM (random access memory), a ROM (read only memory)6, an expanding circuit7, a parallel port8, a serial port9, an image processor10, a sound processor11, a decoder12and an interface circuit13.

A buffer21and a television monitor (hereinafter, merely “monitor”)22are connected with the image processor10; a buffer23is connected with the sound processor11; and a loudspeaker25is connected with the sound processor11via an amplifying circuit24. Further, a buffer26and a recording medium driver27are connected with the decoder12; and a memory28and a controller29are connected with the interface circuit13.

This video game device200takes different forms depending on its application. For example, if the video game device200is constructed for home use, the monitor22and the loudspeaker25are separate from the main game unit40. On the other hand, if the video game device is used for business use, all the elements shown inFIG. 2are accommodated as a unit in one casing.

In the case that the video game device200is constructed with a personal computer or a workstation as a core, the monitor22corresponds to a computer display, the image processor10, the sound processor11and expanding circuit7correspond to part of the program data stored in the recording medium50or hardware on an extension board mounted on an extension slot of the computer, and the interface circuit4, the parallel port8, the serial port9and the interface circuit13correspond to hardware on the extension board mounted on the extension slot of the computer. Further, the buffers21,23,26correspond to the main memory5or the respective areas of an extension memory (not shown). A case where the video game device200is constructed for home use is described in this embodiment.

Next, the respective elements shown inFIG. 2are described. The graphic data generating processor3plays a roll as a so-called co-processor of the CPU1. Specifically, this processor3performs a coordinate transform and a light source calculation, e.g. calculation of fixed-point matrices and vectors by parallel processing. Main operations performed by the processor3include an operation of obtaining an address in a display area of an image to be processed based on a coordinate data of vertices in a two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) space of an image data supplied from the CPU1, a movement amount data and a rotation amount data of this image data and returning the obtained address data to the CPU1, and an operation of calculating the luminance of an image according to a distance from a virtually set light source.

The interface circuit4is an interface for peripheral devices such as pointing devices including mousses and track balls. A program data as an operating system of the video game device200is stored in the ROM6. In personal computers, this program data corresponds to a BIOS (basic input output system).

The expanding circuit7expands a compressed image compressed by intra-coding in accordance with the MPEG (moving picture engineering group) for moving images and JPEG (joint picture engineering group) for still images. The expansion may be one of inverse quantization process (decoding of a data encoded by VLC “variable length code”), an IDCT (inverse discrete cosine transform) process, or a restoration process of an intra-image.

The image processor10forms an image in the buffer21in accordance with an imaging command issued by the CPU1at intervals of a specified time T (one frame, e.g. T= 1/60 sec.).

The buffer21includes, for example, a RAM and is comprised of a display area (frame buffer) and a non-display area. The display area is comprised of a development area of a data to be displayed on a display surface of the monitor22. In this embodiment, the non-display area is comprised of storage areas for data defining skeletons, model data defining polygons, animation data used to animate models, pattern data representing contents of the respective animated movements, texture data and color palette data, etc.

Here, the texture data are 2D image data, and the color palette data are data for designating colors of the texture data and the like. These data are read from the CPU1and saved in the non-display area of the buffer21at once or a plurality of times in accordance with the progress of the game.

Imaging commands include those used to generate 3D images using polygons and those used to generate usual 2D images. Here, polygons are polygonal 2D virtual figures: triangular in this embodiment.

The image command used to generate a 3D image using the polygons includes a polygon vertex address data in the display area of the buffer21, a texture address data representing the saved positions of the texture data to be adhered to the polygons in the buffer21, a color palette address data representing the saved positions of the color palette indicating the colors of the texture data in the buffer21, and a luminance data representing the luminance of the textures.

Among these data, the polygon vertex address data in the display area are polygon vertex coordinate data in the 2D space obtained by applying a coordinate transform to polygon vertex coordinate data in the 3D space from the CPU1based on a movement amount data and a rotation amount data of a screen itself by means of the graphic data generating processor3. Further, the luminance data are determined based on distances between the positions represented by the polygon vertex coordinate data after the coordinate transform sent from the CPU1and a virtually arranged light source by means of the graphic data generating processor3.

The polygon vertex address data represent addresses in the display area of the buffer21, and the image processor10writes a texture data corresponding to a range of the display area of the buffer21defined by three polygon vertex address data.

One object is formed by a multitude of polygons. The CPU1stores the coordinate data of the respective polygons in the 3D space in the buffer21in relation to vector data of the corresponding skeletons. The following processing is performed in the case that a character is moved on the display surface by operating the controller29, i.e. a movement of the character itself is expressed or a point of viewing the character is changed.

Specifically, the CPU1feeds the 3D coordinate data of the vertices of the respective polygons held in the non-display area of the buffer21and the movement amount data and the rotation amount data of the respective polygons, which were obtained from the coordinates and the rotation amount data of the skeletons, to the graphic data generating processor3.

The graphic data generating processor3successively calculates the 3D coordinate data of the respective polygons after the movement and rotation based on the 3D coordinate data of the vertices of the respective polygons and the movement amount data and the rotation amount data of the respective polygons.

Among the thus obtained 3D coordinate data of the respective polygons, those in horizontal and vertical directions are fed to the image processor10as the address data in the display area of the buffer21, i.e. as the polygon vertex address data.

The image processor10writes a texture data represented by the texture address data allotted in advance in the triangular display area of the buffer21defined by three polygon vertex address data. In this way, an object formed by adhering the texture data to a multitude of polygons is displayed on the display surface of the monitor22.

The imaging command for generating a usual 2D image is comprised of vertex address data, texture address data, color palette address data representing stored positions of the color palette data indicating the color of the texture data in the buffer21, and luminance data representing the luminance of the textures. Among these data, the vertex address data are coordinate data obtained by applying a coordinate transform to vertex coordinate data in the 2D space from the CPU1based on a movement amount data and a rotation amount data from the CPU1by means of the graphic data generating processor3.

The sound processor11writes an ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation) data read from the recording medium50in the buffer23to use the ADPCM data stored in the buffer23as a sound source. The sound processor11reads the ADPCM data based on a clock signal having a frequency of, e.g. 44.1 kHz.

The sound processor11applies various processings such as pitch conversion, addition of noise, envelope setting, level setting, addition of reverb to the ADPCM data read from the buffer23.

If the sound data read from the recording medium50is a PCM data such as a compact disk digital audio (CD-DA) data, the read sound data is converted into the ADPCM data by the sound processor11.

Further, processing of the PCM data by the program data is directly performed in the main memory5. The PCM data processed in the main memory5is fed to the sound processor11and converted into an ADPCM data and then is outputted as a sound from the loudspeaker25after the aforementioned various processings are applied thereto.

The recording medium driver27is, for example, a CD-ROM drive, a hard disk driver, an optical disk drive, a flexible disk drive, a silicone disk drive, or a cassette medium reader.

The recording medium50is, for example, a DVD-ROM, a CD-ROM, a hard disk, an optical disk, a flexible disk or a semiconductor memory. It should be noted that the recording medium50functions as a password storage means for storing the password received from the data delivery service1.

The recording medium driver27reads the images, sounds and program data from the recording medium50and feeds the read data to the decoder12. The decoder12applies error correction using an error correction code (ECC) to the reproduced data from the recording medium driver27, and feeds the resulting data to the main memory5or the sound processor11.

The memory28is, for example, a holder or a card type memory. The card type memory is adapted to hold various game parameters so as to hold a state, for example, when the game is interrupted midways. It should be noted that the memory28functions as a password storage means for storing the password received from the data delivery service1.

The controller29is an operation means operable from the outside, is provided with a first left button29L1, a second left button29L2, a first right button29R1, a second right button29R2, an up-key29U, a down-key29D, a left-key29L, a right-key29R, a start button29a, a select button29b, a first button29c, a second button29d, a third button29e, a fourth button29f, a left stick29SL and a right stick29SR, and is adapted to send an operation signal corresponding to the operation of a game player to the CPU1. It should be noted that the controller29has a function of receiving an input of the password received from the data delivery server100(input receiving means) in the video game device200.

The up-key29U, the down-key29D, the left-key29L and the right-key29R are used by the game player to give commands to move, for example, a character or a cursor to up, down, left and right on the screen of the monitor22to the CPU1.

The start button29ais operated by the game player to instruct the start of the game program data loaded from the recording medium50to the CPU1. The select button29bis operated by the game player to instruct various selections concerning the game program data to be loaded in the main memory5from the recording medium50to the CPU1.

The respective buttons and keys of the controller29except the left stick29SL and the right stick29SR are on-off switches which are turned on from their neutral positions by a pressing force from the outside and returned to the neutral positions upon being freed from the pressing force.

The left and right sticks29SL,29SR are stick-shaped controllers having substantially the same construction as a so-called joystick. Specifically, the controller29has a standing stick, which can be inclined to front, back, left, right or in any direction in a 360° range about a specified point of the stick as a supporting point. According to the direction and angle of inclination of the stick, an X-coordinate along transverse direction and a Y-coordinate along forward/backward direction in coordinate systems having the standing position of the stick as an origin are sent as an operation signal to the CPU1via the interface circuit13.

The functions of the first left button29L1, the second left button29L2, the first right button29R1and the second right button29R2differ depending on the game program data to be loaded from the recording medium50.

Next, the operation of this video game device200is summarily described. A power switch (not shown) is turned on to apply a power to the video game device200. At this time, if the recording medium50is mounted in the recording medium driver27, the CPU1instructs the recording medium driver27to read the program data from the recording medium50in accordance with the operating system stored in the ROM6. In response to this instruction, the recording medium driver27reads the images, sounds and program data from the recording medium50. The read images, sounds and program data are fed to the decoder12, where error correction is applied thereto.

The image data to which error correction was applied in the decoder12are fed via the bus line2to the expanding circuit7, where the aforementioned expansion is applied thereto. The resulting image data are fed to the image processor10, which in turn writes them in the non-display area of the buffer21.

The sound data to which error correction was applied in the decoder12are either written in the main memory5or fed to the sound processor11to be written in the buffer23.

The program data to which error correction was applied in the decoder12are written in the main memory5. Hereafter, the CPU1executes the game in accordance with the game program data stored in the main memory5and contents of instructions given by the game player via the controller29. In other words, the controller29suitably controls image processing, sound processing and internal processing based on the contents of instructions given by the game player via the controller29.

In this embodiment, the control for the image processing includes, for example, calculation of the coordinates of the respective skeletons and calculation of the vertex coordinate data of the respective polygons based on a pattern data corresponding to an animation instructed for the character, feed of the obtained 3D coordinate data and a viewing point data to the graphic data generating processor3, issuance of the imaging commands including the address data in the display area of the buffer21and the luminance data calculated by the graphic data generating processor3. The control for the sound processing includes, for example, issuance of sound output commands to the sound processor11and designation of levels, reverbs, etc. The control for the internal processing includes, for example, calculation according to the operation of the controller29.

The image data having been performed an error correction process at the decoder12are supplied to an expansion circuit7where the error corrected data is expanded and supplied to the image processor10. Then the data is written into the non-display area of the buffer21.

In addition, the sound data having been performed an error correction process is either written into a main memory5or supplied to the sound processor11to be written into the buffer23.

Furthermore, the program data having been performed an error correction process at the decoder12is written into the main memory5. Thereafter, CPU1proceeds a game according to the game program data stored in the main memory5and the instructions given by a player through the controller29. In other words, CPU1controls image processing, sound processing, and internal processing in accordance with the instruction contents given by the player through the controller29.

Next, a recording medium300(corresponding to the recording medium50inFIG. 2) used in the data delivery system is described. In the readable recording medium300comprised of, e.g. a CD-ROM are stored data necessary for the video game device200to conduct a communication to receive the delivered event information from the data delivery server100, for example, a communication program. A user purchases this recording medium300from a company engaged in the delivery of the event information using the data delivery server100. The communication program stored in the recording medium300can be installed in the video game device200when a user receives a password from the data delivery server100and inputs it in the video game device200by means of the controller29to cancel a protection. This password is sent as information peculiar to the user when the user accesses the data delivery server100via the video game device200, and the data delivery server100judges whether the accessed user is permitted to receive a data delivery based on the received password. If the user desires to obtain a new password, he obtains another recording medium. The communication program stored in the recording medium300is saved, for example, in the recording medium300beforehand in the video game device200, transferred from the recording medium300to the main memory5, and implemented by the CPU1based on the program data saved in the main memory5.

Next, a procedure of the user registration in the data delivery system is described.FIG. 3is a flow chart showing an exemplary procedure of operations performed to register a user in order to receive a delivery of the event information in this system, wherein (A) left-hand side is a procedure of operations performed by the video game device200in accordance with the operations of the user, and (B) right-hand side is a procedure of operations performed by the data delivery server100. In the description relating toFIGS. 3 to 5includingFIGS. 4 and 5to be described later, the operation procedure in the video game device200and the one in the data delivery server100are suitably referred to in order to facilitate the description.

When the video game device200confirms that the user has inserted the recording medium50(corresponding to the recording medium300inFIG. 1) such as a CD-ROM into the recording medium driver27(Step SA1), the CPU1reads the communication program stored in the recording medium50for delivering the event information. The CPU1reads the identification information (recording medium ID) and an IP address of the video game device200in accordance with this communication program, and causes the modem30to transmit the read identification information and IP address to the data delivery server100via the network400(Step SA2).

The data delivery server100waits on standby until the transmitting/receiving unit101receives the identification information of the recording medium50and the IP address of the video game device200(NO in Step SB1). When the transmitting/receiving unit101receives the identification information of the recording medium50and the IP address of the video game device200(YES in Step SB1), the data delivery server100causes the user administering unit102to generate a user ID and a password for identifying the user based on the identification information of the recording medium50and the IP address of the video game device200(Step SB2) and to temporarily register the user ID and the password (Step SB3). Further, the data delivery server100causes the transmitting/receiving unit101to transmit this password to the video game device200(Step SB4).

The video game device200waits on standby until receiving the password from the data delivery server100via the modem30(NO in Step SA3). Upon receiving the password from the data delivery server100via the modem30(YES in Step SA3), the video game device200causes the CPU1to display the received password and an input screen (Step SA4), thereby urging the user to input the password. Upon receiving an input of the password made by the user through an instruction given from the controller29(Step SA5), the CPU1transmits the inputted password to the data delivery server100via the modem30(Step SA6). Then, the CPU1saves this password in the memory28(Step SA7). The memory for saving the password may be built in the main game unit40of the video game device200or may be an external memory mountable into the video game device200.

The data delivery server100waits on standby until the transmitting/receiving unit101receives the inputted password from the video game device200(NO in Step SB5). When the transmitting/receiving unit101receives the inputted password from the video game device200(YES in Step SB5), the data delivery server100causes the user administering unit102to compare the password being administered and the received password and to regularly register this password and the user ID (Step SB6).

According to the above procedures, if the user registration is made at the time of the first access to store the password in the memory or the like, the user can receive the delivery of the event information from the data delivery server without performing a cumbersome input operation through the controller of the video game device200and the like when the next and succeeding accesses are to be made. Thus, the user can more conveniently use the data delivery system.

Since the user ID and the password are transmitted from the data delivery server100, the user can be identified at the same time an input of the password is urged at the time of the user registration.

The authentication information of the certified user used to permit the delivery of the event information is comprised of the recording medium specifying information stored in the recording medium and the identification information peculiar to the video game device (e.g. the IP address of the video game device), uncertified use can be prevented by authentication based on these pieces of information.

The password generated to permit the delivery of the event information is temporarily provisionally registered and regular registration is made as the certified user upon the receipt of the password as a response from the video game device to which the event information is to be delivered. Thus, regular user registration can be made after confirming the intention of the user to make a user registration.

Further, if the video game device has a function of executing various programs stored in the recording medium mounted therein, the inventive system is applicable and, therefore, it is not necessary to purchase a new equipment and the like to authenticate whether or not the accessed user is a certified user.

Next, a procedure of operations performed until the user receives the delivery of the event information after the user registration is described.FIG. 4is a flow chart showing an exemplary procedure of operations performed until the event information is delivered after the authentication of the certified user, wherein (A) left-hand side is a procedure of operations performed by the video game device200in accordance with the operations of the user, and (B) right-hand side is a procedure of operations performed by the data delivery server100.

When the video game device200confirms that the user has inserted the recording medium50such as a CD-ROM into the recording medium driver27(Step SA11), the CPU1reads the communication program stored in the recording medium50for delivering the event information. The CPU1reads the password used to receive the delivery of the event information from the memory28in accordance with this communication program (Step SA12), and transmits the read password as a delivery request to the data delivery server100(Step SA13).

The data delivery server100waits on standby until the transmitting/receiving unit101receives the delivery request including the password from the video game device200(NO in Step SB11). When the transmitting/receiving unit101receives the delivery request including the password from the video game device200(YES in Step SB11), the data delivery server100causes the user administering unit102to compare the password being administered and the received password, and reads an event information corresponding to the password from the event information storage103(Step SB13) if the received password is valid (YES in Step SB12). If the received password is invalid (NO in Step SB12), the series of operations performed by the data delivery server100are completed. In this case, the data delivery server100may cause the transmitting/receiving unit101to transmit a screen image indicating that the password is invalid to the video game device200. The data delivery server100causes the transmitting/receiving unit101to transmit the read event information to the video game device200(Step SB14). The data delivery server100also judges the validity of the password based on the delivery condition administered by the user administering unit102.

Upon receiving the event information corresponding to the password from the data delivery server100via the modem30(YES in Step SA14), the video game device200causes the CPU1to output the received event information to the television monitor22while downloading it (Step SA15). Unless receiving the event information (NO in Step SA14), the video game device200completes the series of operations performed thereby.

Next, a procedure of receiving the delivery of a live relay broadcast of a music performance, e.g. at a studio (event content) and information (guide information) concerning the music performance is described.FIG. 5is a flow chart showing an exemplary procedure of operations performed until the event content and the guide information are delivered after the authentication of the certified user, wherein (A) left-hand side is a procedure of operations performed by the video game device200in accordance with the operations of the user, and (B) right-hand side is a procedure of operations performed by the data delivery server100.

When the video game device200confirms that the user has inserted the recording medium50such as a CD-ROM into the recording medium driver27(Step SA21), the CPU1reads the communication program stored in the recording medium50for delivering the event information. The CPU1reads the password used to receive the delivery of the event information from the memory28in accordance with this communication program (Step SA22), and transmits the read password as a delivery request to the data delivery server100(Step SA23).

The data delivery server100waits on standby until the transmitting/receiving unit101receives the delivery request including the password from the video game device200(NO in Step SB21). When the transmitting/receiving unit101receives the delivery request including the password from the video game device200(YES in Step SB21), the data delivery server100causes the user administering unit102to compare the password being administered and the received password, and reads an event information corresponding to the password from the event information storage103(Step SB23) if the received password is valid (YES in Step SB22). If the received password is invalid (NO in Step SB22), the series of operations performed by the data delivery server100are completed. In this case, the data delivery server100may causes the transmitting/receiving unit101to transmit a screen image indicating that the password is invalid to the video game device200. The data delivery server100causes the transmitting/receiving unit101to transmit the read event information to the video game device200(Step SB24).

Upon receiving the event information corresponding to the password from the data delivery server100via the modem30(YES in Step SA24), the video game device200causes the CPU1to output the received event information to the television monitor22while downloading it (Step SA25). Unless receiving the event information (NO in Step SA24), the video game device200waits on standby until receiving the event information. Here, the event information first received by the video game device200is a menu screen comprised of specified items concerning the music performance, e.g. at the studio.FIGS. 6 and 7are diagrams showing examples of the menu screen.

InFIG. 6, a menu screen500is comprised of specified selection items (selecting sections): selection items of “Live Information”510, “Live Entrance”520, “Sale of Goods”530, “Artist Information”540are displayed on the screen. As shown in the menu screen500, the inspection of the selection items of “Live Information”510, “Live Entrance”520, “Sale of Goods”530, “Artist Information”540(guide information) can be urged by displaying whether or not the delivery of the performance live relay broadcast is to be made.

Similar toFIG. 6, a menu screen501ofFIG. 7is also comprised of specified selection items: “Live Information”511, “Live Entrance”521, “Sale of Goods”531, “Artist Information”541are displayed on the screen. Thus, the user can more conveniently use the data delivery system by making such a display to the user that the performance is being presently made in the item of the “Live Entrance”521or displaying the opening time and the like of the performance live relay broadcast as shown in the menu screen501.

InFIGS. 6 and 7, the items of “Live Information”510,511, “Live Entrance”520,521, “Sale of Goods”530,531, and “Artist Information”540,541are displayed on the screen. If “Live Information”510,511is clicked by means of the controller29, a live information screen610is displayed as a guide information as shown inFIG. 8. If “Live Entrance”520,521is clicked by means of the controller29, a live relay broadcast screen620is displayed as an event content as shown inFIG. 9. If “Live Entrance”521is clicked in the menu screen501, a message saying that there is no live relay broadcast may be displayed since the live relay broadcast screen620is not displayed. If “Exist Live Spot”621on the screen620is clicked, the menu screen comes up again. If “Sale of Goods”530,531is clicked by means of the controller29, a goods sale screen630related to the event content is displayed as a guide information as shown inFIG. 10. Further, if “Artist Information”540,541is clicked by means of the controller29, a screen640indicating latest information about the artist is displayed as a guide information as shown inFIG. 11.

When the CPU1receives an input of selection instruction of a desired item made by the operation of the user in accordance with an instruction from the controller29in the video game device200(YES in Step SA26), the CPU1transmits the received selection instruction to the data delivery server100via the modem30(Step SA27). Unless receiving the input of the selection instruction (NO in Step SA26), the video game device200completes the series of operations performed thereby. The above selection instructions of the desired items correspond to the “Live Information”510,511, “Live Entrance”520,521, “Sale of Goods”530,531, and “Artist Information”540,541displayed on the menu screens500,501shown inFIGS. 6 and 7.

The data delivery server100waits on standby until the transmitting/receiving unit101receives the selection instruction from the video game device200(NO in Step SB25). When the transmitting/receiving unit101receives the selection instruction from the video game device200(YES in Step SB25), the data delivery server100reads at least one of the event content and the guide information corresponding to the selection instruction (Step SB26). The data delivery server100completes the series of operations after causing the transmitting/receiving unit101to deliver at least one of the read event content and guide information to the video game device200(Step SB27).

Upon receiving at least one of the event content and the guide information corresponding to the selection instruction via the modem30, the video game device200causes the CPU1to output the received at least one of the event content and the guide information to the television monitor22while downloading it (Step SA25). Unless receiving the at least one of the event content and the guide information (NO in Step SA28), the video game device100waits on standby until receiving the event information.

In the procedure described with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, if the user registration is made at the time of the first access to store the password in the memory or the like, the user can receive the delivery of the event information from the data delivery server without performing a cumbersome input operation through the controller29of the video game device200and the like when the next and succeeding accesses are to be made. Thus, the delivery of the event information having a high convenience can be provided.

Further, a deliverer at the data delivery server side can provide a delivery service of the event information conforming to the amount of sales of the recording media by administering the validity terms and the like of the passwords for the respective users.

Furthermore, the deliverer at the data delivery server side can provide the user with the delivery of the event information corresponding to the sold price of the recording medium, and a delivery service providing period and the like can be set for each recording medium based on the data to be delivered.

Further, the guide information concerning the content information can be provided in addition to the event content desired by the user. If the event content is, for example, a video music, related information can also be obtained. For instance, while receiving the delivery of a live relay broadcast at a studio as event content, the user can receive the delivery of the date of the live relay broadcast, related goods information, and latest information of an artist as a guide information.

Furthermore, since the user can arbitrarily select the delivery of at least one of the event content and the guide information, the user can more conveniently use the date delivery system.

Further, since the delivery service of the specified data can be easily provided to the user via the network even without distributing recording media storing a game software and the like as the event information to the user, latest information and the like can be quickly provided to the video game device.

Furthermore, since a television receiver (television monitor) available at home as a display device can be used as the video game device, it is suitable to receive the delivery of a video music and the like (event information).

In summary, according to this data delivery system of the present invention, in the data delivery server, at least the recording medium specifying information stored in the recording medium and read by the video game device is received from the video game device, and the authentication information and the password used to permit the delivery of the event information to the video game are generated and administered based on the received recording medium specifying information while being related to the video game device. The authentication information and the password generated to deliver the event information in the data delivery server are transmitted to the video game device, and the event information is transmitted to the video game device upon the receipt of the password as a response from the video game device to which the authentication information and the password have been transmitted. On the other hand, the password received from the data delivery server to receive the delivery of the event information is saved in a memory or the like in the video game device.

In this data delivery system, the data delivery server provides the delivery of the event information to the video game device by generating and administering the authentication information (e.g. user ID) and the password used to permit the deliver of the event information based on the information specifying the recording medium (recording medium specifying information) while relating them to the video game device. Thus, the event information can be delivered after highly reliably authenticating the accessed user in response to the delivery request from the video game device. Further, in the data delivery system, a deliverer at the data delivery server side can provide the delivery of the event information corresponding to the recording medium since the data delivery server generates the authentication information (e.g. user ID) and the password used to permit the delivery of the event information based on the information specifying the recording medium (recording medium specifying information). On the other hand, since the video game device saves the password received from the data delivery server in a memory or the like in this data delivery system, the password is automatically read from the memory or the like and transmitted as a delivery request to the data delivery server in the case of trying to receive the delivery of the event information. Thus, the user can be freed from cumbersomeness to input an alphanumeric character string such as the password every time he tries to receive the delivery of the event information. Accordingly, the delivery of the event information can be provided to the video game device by generating and administering the authentication information and the password used to permit the delivery of the event information based on the information specifying the recording medium (recording medium specifying information) while relating them to the video game device to which the event information is to be delivered. Thus, the event information can be delivered after highly reliably authenticating the accessed user in response to the delivery request from the video game device. Further, the deliverer at the data delivery server side can provide the delivery of the event information corresponding to the recording medium and can securely charge for the delivery through the sale of the recording medium, etc. since the authentication information and the password used to permit the delivery of the event information are generated based on the information specifying the recording medium. Further, in the case of trying to receive the delivery of the event information using the video game device, the password is automatically read from the memory or the like and transmitted as a delivery request to the data delivery server. Since the user can be freed from cumbersomeness to input an alphanumeric character string such as the password by way of the video game device every time he tries to receive the delivery of the event information, the event information can be highly conveniently delivered.

In such a data delivery system, the user can be identified at the same time an input of the password is urged since the video game device receives the input of the password received from the data delivery server and saves the received password in the memory or the like. Thus, once the password is inputted, the user can be freed from cumbersomeness to input an alphanumeric character string such as the password every time he tries to receive the delivery of the event information. Further, if the password is not displayed by being saved in the memory or the like, it is useful to prevent uncertified use. Accordingly, the user can be identified at the same time the input of the password is urged at the time of user registration.

In such a data delivery system, the authentication information used to permit the delivery of the event information to the certified user is comprised of the recording medium specifying information (recording medium ID specifying the recording medium, etc.) stored in the recording medium and the identification information (e.g. IP address and the like of the video game device) peculiar to the video game device. Thus, by authentication based on these pieces of information, uncertified use can be prevented. Accordingly, since the authentication information used to permit the delivery of the event information to the certified user is comprised of the recording medium specifying information stored in the recording medium and the identification information peculiar to the video game device (IP address of the video game device, etc.), uncertified user can be prevented by authentication based on these pieces of information.

In such a data delivery system, the password generated to permit the delivery of the event information is temporarily provisionally registered, and regular registration as a certified user is made upon the receipt of this password as a response from the video game device to which the event information is to be delivered. Thus, regular user registration can be made after confirming the intention of the user to make a user registration. Accordingly, the password generated to permit the delivery of the event information is temporarily provisionally registered, and regular registration as a certified user is made upon the receipt of this password as a response from the video game device to which the event information is to be delivered. Thus, regular user registration can be made after confirming the intention of the user to make a user registration.

Furthermore, in such a data delivery system, the delivery condition concerning the delivery of the event information is administered while being related to the authentication information and, if the delivery condition from the video game device does not satisfy the delivery condition administered while being related to the authentication information, the delivery of the event information to this video game device is prohibited. Thus, the delivery of the event information can be administered based on the authentication information of each user. Here, the delivery condition is referred to when the event information is delivered to a terminal device and is, for example, a frequency of use (prepaid information) administered by being allotted beforehand to each recording medium. By setting a specified frequency of use as the delivery condition for each recording medium, the delivery of the event information corresponding to a purchased price can be provided. Thus, the deliverer at the data delivery server can administer the delivery of the event information based on the recording medium owned by the user. In the data delivery server, by storing and administering a delivered state of the event information as a delivery condition for each recording medium, the delivery of the event information corresponding to a delivered state to the video game device can be provided. As a result, the delivery condition concerning the delivery of the event information is administered while being related to the authentication information and the delivery of the event information is prohibited for the video game device not satisfying the delivery condition. Thus, the delivery of the event information can be administered based on the authentication information of each user. By setting a specified frequency of use as the delivery condition for each recording medium, the delivery of the event information corresponding to a purchased price can be provided.

Moreover, in such a data delivery system, the delivery condition including at least one of the data amount to be delivered, the number of data deliveries, the data delivery number and the validity term of the data delivery is administered while being related to the authentication information of each video game device. Thus, the deliverer at the data delivery server can provide the user with the delivery of the event information corresponding to the sold price of the recording medium. Further, the delivery service period and the like can be set for each recording medium in accordance with the data to be delivered. As a result, since the delivery condition including at least one of the data amount to be delivered, the number of data deliveries, the data delivery number, and the validity term of the data delivery is administered while being related to the authentication information of each video game device, the deliverer at the data delivery server can provide the user with the delivery of the event information corresponding to the sold price of the recording medium. Further, the delivery service period and the like can be set for each recording medium in accordance with the data to be delivered.

Yet, moreover, in such a data delivery system, the event content and the guide information concerning the event content are delivered as the event information to the video game device. Here, the event content represents a content to be delivered to the video game device and includes, e.g. a video music or the like. The guide information is comprised of various pieces of information relating to the event content and includes, e.g. a date of performance, a profile information of a performer, and a sale information of related goods in the case that the event content is a live relay broadcast of a performance at a studio or the like.

Since the guide information concerning the event content is provided in addition to the event content desired by the user, if the event content is, for example, a video music, related information can also be obtained. For instance, while receiving the delivery of a live relay broadcast at a studio as an event content, the user can receive the delivery of the date of the live relay broadcast, related goods information, and latest information of an artist as the guide information.

In addition, in such a data delivery system, the selection instruction to select at least one of the event content and the guide information may be received from the video game device, and at least one of the event content and the guide information corresponding to the selection instruction to the video game device may be delivered. Thus, the user can arbitrarily select the delivery of at least one of the event content and the guide information and the user can more conveniently use the data delivery system. As a result, since the selection instruction to select at least one of the event information and the guide information is received from the video game device and at least one of the event information and the guide information corresponding to the selection instruction is delivered to the video game device, the user can arbitrarily select the delivery of at least either one of the event content and the guide information and, therefore, can more conveniently use the data delivery system.

According to a data delivery server of the present invention, as mentioned in the above descriptions, at least the recording medium specifying information stored in the recording medium and read from the video game device is received from the video game device, the authentication information and the password used to permit the delivery of the event information are generated and administered based on the received recording medium specifying information while being related to the video game device. The authentication information and the password generated to deliver the event information in the data delivery server are transmitted to the video game device, and the event information is delivered to the video game device upon the receipt of the password as a response from the video device to which the authentication information and the password have been transmitted.

The data delivery server provides the delivery of the event information to the video game device by generating and administering the authentication information (e.g. user ID) and the password used to permit the delivery of the event information based on the recording medium specifying information while relating them to the video game device. Thus, the event information can be delivered after highly reliably authenticating the accessed user in response to the delivery request from the video game device. Further, the deliverer at the data delivery server side can provide the delivery of the event information corresponding to the recording medium since the data delivery server generates the authentication information (e.g. user ID) and the password used to permit the delivery of the event information based on the information specifying the recording medium (recording medium specifying information). Further, since the data delivery server delivers the event information upon receiving the password used to permit the delivery of the event information, which password was transmitted to the video game device in advance, from the video game device, the event information can be delivered based on the authentication information and the password administered at the data delivery server side. Accordingly, since the delivery of the event information to the video game device is provided by generating and administering the authentication information (e.g. user ID) and the password based on the information specifying the recording medium (recording medium specifying information) while relating them to the video game device to which the event information is to be delivered, the event information can be delivered after highly reliably authenticating the accessed user in response to the delivery request from the video game device. Further, since the authentication information (e.g. user ID) and the password used to permit the delivery of the event information are generated based on the information specifying the recording medium (recording medium specifying information) in the data delivery server, the deliverer at the data delivery server can deliver the event information corresponding to the recording medium. Furthermore, since the data delivery server delivers the event information upon receiving the password used to permit the delivery of the event information, which was transmitted beforehand to the video game device, from the video game device, the event information can be delivered based on the authentication information and the password administered in the data delivery server.

Specifically, the password received from the data delivery server may be saved in a memory or the like in such a video game device and, if the user tries to receive the delivery of the event information, the password is automatically read from the memory or the like and transmitted as a delivery request to the data delivery server. Thus, the user can be freed from cumbersomeness to input an alphanumeric character string such as the password every time he tries to receive the delivery of the event information.

This Patent Application is based on Japan Patent Application Serial No. 2001-174561, filed in Japan Patent Office on Jun. 8, 2001, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of essential characteristics thereof, the present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive, since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by the description preceding them, and all changes that fall within metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalence of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to embraced by the claims.